Discover Feed Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft is finally turning off the MSN feed and ads in Windows 11 Widgets by default

Microsoft has modified the default behavior of the Widgets feature in Windows 11, confirming that the MSN feed will no longer be displayed by default when users hover over the Widgets icon. This change is being gradually rolled out through the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8346. The updated Widgets experience includes several modifications: - The Widgets board will no longer open on hover; users must click the Widgets icon to access it. - Taskbar badging for breaking news and alerts will be turned off by default. - Animated taskbar alerts will only appear after user interaction with the Widgets board. - Upon first launching the Widgets board, users will see core widgets like weather and calendar instead of the MSN news feed. Users can manually customize their Widgets experience by disabling the "Open Widgets board on hover" option, turning off the MSN feed, or completely removing Widgets from Windows 11. Additionally, a redesign of the MSN feed is planned, featuring rounded corners to distinguish it from the Widgets. Microsoft aims to create a calmer operating system by reducing distractions and excessive notifications.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft’s faster, less annoying Windows 11 is coming into focus

Microsoft is refining Windows 11 to enhance productivity and minimize distractions. New features are being rolled out as part of the Windows Insider program, including a more configurable taskbar expected later this month. Significant improvements in File Explorer aim to reduce delays and improve responsiveness through foundational architectural enhancements. Microsoft is also rethinking the Widgets feature to create a calmer aesthetic with fewer notifications, separating Widgets from the Discover feed to reduce clutter. The updates promise a "feels faster" Windows 11, with performance tuning for frequently used applications and adjustments to the Windows scheduler for better CPU allocation. Users may notice subtle improvements in application launch times and overall system responsiveness.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows quality update: Progress we’ve made since March

The Windows Insider Program is undergoing changes to improve transparency and user control. Two main channels, Experimental and Beta, are being introduced, with the Beta channel eliminating controlled feature rollouts. Users will have the ability to select features in the Experimental channel and switch between channels more easily. Updates to the Feedback Hub are aimed at enhancing user experience. Windows updates will now be consolidated into a single monthly restart, providing users with more flexibility. AI features are being refined, with a focus on intentional integration. File Explorer is receiving architectural improvements for better performance, and there will be more control over widgets and notification settings. System performance enhancements include memory optimization and improved app launch responsiveness. Upcoming features include Taskbar customization, and the team is engaging with Insiders in various cities for feedback.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Our commitment to Windows quality

- Enhanced Taskbar Customization: Users will be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. - Intentional AI Integration: Copilot will be integrated thoughtfully across Windows, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad. - Streamlined Windows Updates: Users will have more control over updates, including options to skip updates during setup, restart without installing updates, and pause updates. - Improved File Explorer: Enhancements will lead to quicker launches, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance. - Widget Control and Personalization: Widgets will have quieter defaults and improved personalization options. - Simplified Windows Insider Program: The program will be made more accessible with clearer channel definitions and enhanced engagement opportunities. - Revamped Feedback Hub: The Feedback Hub will be updated to streamline the process for submitting feedback and engaging with the community. - System Performance Improvements: Resource usage will be reduced to enhance performance, resulting in faster app launches and improved memory efficiency. - Fluid App Interactions: Core experiences will transition to the WinUI3 framework to minimize interaction latency. - File Explorer Optimization: Efforts will be made to lower latency for search and navigation. - Elevating the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Performance and integration for developers using Linux tools will be enhanced. - Windows Insider Program Enhancements: Expectations for each Insider channel will be clarified, and the quality of builds will be raised. - OS, Driver, and App Reliability: Improvements will be made to system stability and driver quality. - Windows Update Experience: Updates will be streamlined to minimize disruptions and provide clearer control over timing. - Windows Hello Improvements: Biometric authentication will be enhanced for a more reliable sign-in experience. - Start and Taskbar Enhancements: These areas will be made more reliable and personalized. - Focused User Experience: Distractions will be reduced to help users maintain focus. - Search Enhancements: Faster, more accurate search results will be delivered across Windows surfaces. - Commitment to security enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Search Labs initiates a Google app test that lets users ‘tailor’ their feed on Android

Search Labs has introduced a feature called "Tailor your feed" within the Google app for Android, currently in testing phases across the U.S. This tool allows users to customize the content they see and avoid, leveraging user prompts for a more personalized experience. The feature builds on Google's earlier Discover feed experiment and is powered by advanced AI technology. Additionally, Google previously tested the "Daily Listen" feature, which created audio summaries of content based on users' Discover feeds and search behaviors, aiming for a streamlined online experience.

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Google will let you tell Discover what you want to see

Google is testing a new feature called “Tailor your feed” within its Search Labs, which allows users to customize their Discover content by articulating their preferences in plain language. Users can specify what they want or do not want to see, enhancing the personalization of their feed. This feature goes beyond the current basic customization options available in Google Discover, enabling more detailed requests, such as focusing on specific dietary recipes or desired content vibes. To use this feature, users must enroll in Search Labs and activate it through a new icon in the Google app.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Microsoft won’t give up on Windows 11’s Widgets board as it gets another UI makeover

The Discover feed on the Widgets board in Windows 11 is being redesigned with rounded corners, multiple dashboards, and curated stories powered by Copilot. Users can customize or disable their Discover feed. This update will be part of the Windows 11 25H2 update. Widgets originated from Windows Vista's Gadgets in 2007, which included mini-apps like weather updates and calendars. Windows 11 reintroduced Widgets as a standalone feature in October 2021, though it has not been as popular as Gadgets. Copilot Discover, announced in June, aims to summarize content from trusted MSN publishers and is currently being tested in Insider builds. The new Widgets board will support multiple dashboards and feature a left-side navigation bar. User feedback on Widgets is mixed, with some finding the design outdated and cluttered. The effectiveness of the Copilot-curated widget will depend on the quality of news selected for users. The rollout of the new features will occur server-side and through updates to the Copilot app, with personalization options available in the Widgets settings.

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

Meta AI app has a new ‘Vibes’ feed, full of AI-generated videos you can remix

Meta has introduced a new feature called "Vibes" in its AI app, which offers a feed of AI-generated videos created by users. This feature is currently in an "early preview" phase and is accessible to all users. The Vibes feed will evolve into a personalized experience based on user engagement, allowing for tailored video selections. Users can also remix videos created by others. The Vibes feature complements the app's original Discover feed, which showcases user-generated prompts, and aims to create a cohesive ecosystem with Meta's enhanced Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses. The Meta AI app, which was rebranded from the Meta View app, is now available to anyone with a Facebook or Meta account, enabling access to the Llama 4 model for AI interaction.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Patch Tuesday Arrives with New Features for Windows 11

Windows 11 users can expect new features with the cumulative updates KB5065426 for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Key improvements include: - Revamped homepage experience in Recall with shortcuts and enhanced filtering controls. - Interactive tutorial for Click to Do available on first launch. - Agent in Settings now accessible on AMD- and Intel-based Copilot+ PCs, limited to English. - Taskbar search now uses a grid view for images, with a status pane for indexing and clear distinctions between local and cloud files. - Option for a larger clock in the Notification center through Date and Calendar settings. - System dialogs now appear modally, dimming the desktop. - Lock screen widgets can be added, removed, and rearranged, with a new small sizing option. - Minor visual changes in File Explorer's context menu. - Redesigned Windows Hello interface with various authentication methods. - New section in Settings for managing third-party applications using generative AI models. - Widgets board supports multiple dashboards and an organized Discover feed. - Task Manager displays more accurate CPU usage with an optional CPU Utility column. The updates also include security and bug fixes for ReFS, the Chinese (Simplified) IME, and Arm64 performance, requiring a reboot for installation.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Windows 11 KB5064081 update clears up CPU usage metrics in Task Manager

Microsoft has released the KB5064081 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which includes thirty-six new features and enhancements. Key updates include new Recall features, an improved CPU usage display in Task Manager, and a redesigned system dialog box for app permissions. This optional update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.5074 and allows users to manage third-party app access to generative AI models. Users can install the update via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Notable changes also include a new grid view for search results, enhanced lock screen personalization, and improvements to Windows Hello and Task Manager. Microsoft has identified known issues related to CertificateServicesClient errors and audio/video performance lag with NDI, with a fix for the CertEnroll errors being rolled out gradually.